The government released news this morning regarding the stage 4 reopening date for theatres. In response to this, I’m pleased to share a statement from Jon Morgan, director of Theatres Trust.
Jon Morgan comments:
Theatres Trust welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement today that theatres can reopen from 1 August for live performances with a socially distanced audience. Alongside the support package and performing arts guidance announced last week, this is a step in the right direction, but for most theatres it will not be economically viable to reopen with 30-40% audience required under social distancing.
We now need to progress as quickly as possible to an announcement on the all-important Stage 5, allowing theatres to reopen fully with the appropriate safety measures. Without this most theatres cannot reopen viably and we need the go-ahead for Christmas shows, on which the survival of many theatres depends, in the next few weeks at the very latest.
As always, please do let me know if you’d like to arrange to speak to Jon or need anything further
Theatres Trust is the national advisory public body for theatres. Jon Morgan sits on the Entertainment and Events Working Group which is working with DCMS and health officials to determine how theatres can reopen with minimised risks to staff, performers and audiences.